Earache

The Problem
You have pain in one or both ears that is dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing, and may range from mild t severe.

Causes of Earache

• Infection. You have severe ear pain that may worsen when you pull on you earlobe and is accompanied by fever (especially in children) and possibly a sticky yellow, green, or bloody discharge. Although ear infections can occur in adults, they are most common in infants and children, who frequently show their discomfort through irritability. Ear infection need to be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause them.
• Cerumen (wax blockage). Everyone’s ear canals make some wax; it is the body’s way of protecting the canals. There can, however, be excessive wax buildup, causing a complete blockage and painful pressure on the very sensitive lining tissue. The must usually be removed by a doctor.

Self-Care Measures

• There are several steps you can take to relieve an earache. Remember, however, that if your pain is caused by an infection, you will need an antibiotic prescription.
• To relieve pain, place a warm, wrung-out washcloth or a heating pad set on ”low” next to your ear. Prop your head up when you sleep.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium.
• Take an over-the-counter decongestant to dry up fluid in your ear.
• To dry up the water that causes swimmer’s ear, try holding a hair dryer, set on” low”, 10 to 12 inches from your ear, and aim the warm air into your ear canal. You can also try putting 1 to 2 drop of alcohol into your ear, which may help the water evaporate.

Prevention

• Shake your head to expel trapped water after swimming or showering, and use a hair dryer to dry out the ear canal. If you experience recurrent bouts of swimmer’s ear, use alcohol and vinegar mix or an over-the-counter ear drop each time your ear canal gets wet. Also, don’t remove ear wax before swimming; it coats the ear canal and protects it from moisture.
• Avoid air travel when you have a cold; or yawn, chew gum, or suck on hard candy during takeoffs and landings.
• If you tend to have excessive wax buildup, use an over-the-counter ear drop and ear irrigation kit every month or so after your doctor has completely removed all wax.
• Never insert small object into your ear.